A Study on the Impact of Indoor Environment and Living Experience in Chinese University Dormitories: Current Status of Intervention Management in Response to the COVID-19 Epidemic

Universities in China are implementing intervention management to prevent widespread transmission of COVID-19 both on and off campus. During this period, the thermal and humid environments, as well as air quality within dormitory buildings, are critical not only for comfort but also for student health and productivity. A representative dormitory building in Xi’an, China, was selected for on-site measurements of indoor environmental parameters. The study employed the CRITIC method to weight the environmental parameters AP-I, which combined IAQ and indoor thermal comfort. In addition to standard pollutants (CO2, PM2.5), this research also considered occupants’ perceptions of air quality (freshness - NAIs), quantifying these perceptions as scoring indicators. The study further investigated the psychological-behavioral differences of university students under closed campus management, using the SCL-90 psychological scale. It analyzed various aspects, including interpersonal sensitivity and anxiety, to understand the impact on students’ sensation, awareness, behavior, and living habits. Findings indicated that while indoor air quality met standard levels, it was not satisfactory to most students, with over 75% reporting adverse emotional responses due to prolonged dormitory stays, leading to increased sensitivity to indoor air quality. Future intervention programs in China for managing pandemics will aim to improve disease infection control efficiency. The outcomes of this study will contribute to optimizing the indoor air environment through real-time composite scoring and mental health assessments, thereby enhancing students’ living experiences and mitigating negative emotions under intervention management.